Q&A with Claire

The Envision Global Forum (ISLP) provides such an amazing opportunity to develop and mature through experience and education. I found the program not only intellectually stimulating, but hugely inspiring. I went to Washington, DC and New York and was given the incredible opportunity to visit [the] National Institute of Health, to see the Statute of Liberty, to experience the 4th of July fireworks in New York, to bike ride through Central Park, and to visit the many memorials in Washington, DC, as well as snacking on a Philadelphia cheese steak in Philadelphia.

I was lucky to be given the opportunity to hear fantastic speakers, including a Nobel Prize nominee, the CEO and founder of a children's HIV summer camp and a filmmaker focusing on women’s health issues in Africa. By going on a trip like this, you have the chance to experience the “real world.” Not only [will you] learn about your host country, but also from myriad other scholars. I was given the chance to enhance my public speaking skills at the New Jersey Medical School and engage in small group projects with scholars from all over the world.

It is a journey that will take you outside your comfort zone at times, but one thing is for sure, you will emerge a better, well-rounded person as a result. It is difficult to describe the journey; the good thing is you have some amazing people with whom you will always share the experience. To be given the chance to learn about another culture, make new lifelong friends and become inspired for your future career is one nobody should pass up.

My most memorable moment was learning from the CEO who had founded a summer camp for children suffering from HIV. To listen to his story about his background, what inspired him to go on this journey and where he was now was just incredible. To me, this was inspiration. It was fantastic to be able to speak with someone who had made a difference to hundreds of children, a man who had given hope where there previously was little, someone who, in the words of one of the campers “was a real life hero.”

To me there is absolutely no question on whether this is a program you should attend – a resounding yes. I would tell the student of the many chances they have to be inspired, to meet new friends, to gain new life skills. This is not something you can learn in a classroom.

The best part is you have this amazing journey, in an amazing place, and have a great time doing it. There is time for leisure built into the schedule so you have time to shop on 5th Avenue in New York City or ride bikes around Central Park. That is the best part of this trip. It helps you make changes and grow in every aspect of your life, not just academically.

Because you are going on such an incredible journey, the friends you make along the way will be friends for life. You share something unique. I would encourage any future scholars to become as involved as they can be in all the activities, to take every chance. Carpe Diem!